"Durant Hits the Game-Winner Against the Magic"
"Thunder's 'Big Three' Command the Storm, Bring Down the Beast"
"The Season's Biggest Dark Horse Belongs to Oklahoma City"
The next day.
News about the Thunder flooded every major outlet, sending their popularity soaring—second only to traditional powerhouses like the Heat, Bulls, Spurs, and Lakers.
At the same time, the Suns, riding a six-game winning streak, stirred up heated discussion online thanks to their rookie center Blake Su—and the news of Curry joining the team.
"Huh? Stephen's going to the Suns?"
"With this many regular-season games already played, they're reinforcing the roster now? The Suns clearly aren't tanking for next year's No. 1 pick."
"Not just that—they're aiming for a championship."
"A championship? Come on. If nothing unexpected happens, this year's Finals will be Heat vs. Lakers. Either the Heat's 'Big Three' bulldoze their way through everyone, or Kobe leads his squad to a three-peat and restores the Purple and Gold dynasty!
As for the Suns—Blake Su's a rookie, and Curry's only in his second year. Even with Steve Nash and Carter, making the playoffs is probably their ceiling.
Of course… if Steve Nash and Carter were still in their prime, maybe they'd have a shot."
"That said, the Suns are strong. The real question is whether they're stronger than the Thunder—or if… maybe the Suns are actually the biggest dark horse this season."
"No need to guess. We'll find out tonight."
"Exactly. 9 p.m. at the US West Arena—the Suns host the Thunder. One team on a six-game winning streak, the other just hit a buzzer-beater against the Magic.
Just thinking about it gets the blood pumping."
"Can't wait!"
"..."
Suns vs. Thunder.
As fans continued debating, the hype surged, quickly turning it into the most anticipated matchup of the night.
The Thunder arrived early at the US West Arena to prepare for the evening's game. The Suns, playing at home, trained just as intensely—working especially hard to integrate Curry into the system as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile.
Lance wasn't idle either. After trading Richardson and Grant Hill to bring in Curry, he immediately sent Reggie Williams to the Pacers in exchange for rookie Paul George.
George was still developing at this stage.
The Suns were able to acquire him fairly easily with the solid Reggie Williams as trade capital.
With that, the Suns' current roster had finally taken shape.
...
Evening.
US West Arena.
The long-awaited clash between the Suns and Thunder had arrived.
Both teams went through warmups with full focus, treating the game with utmost seriousness.
Meanwhile.
Across the ocean, ESPN broadcast the matchup live, with Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy on commentary.
"Welcome to Suns vs. Thunder," Mike Breen said, his voice brimming with anticipation. "This is a marquee matchup I've been looking forward to for a while.
Curry's arrival adds a fascinating wrinkle.
Blake Su, Curry, Steve Nash, and Carter—this Suns lineup looks like it can really challenge the Thunder's 'Big Three.' Jeff, what do you think?"
Jeff Van Gundy shook his head slightly. "I wouldn't put Nash and Carter in the core category anymore. Tonight, it's about Blake Su and Curry going head-to-head with the Thunder's 'Big Three.'
This one has the makings of a terrific battle."
"Absolutely," Breen replied. "There's a lot of anticipation around Blake Su's performance tonight. Fans everywhere are eager to see how he handles this stage.
Let's see how it unfolds."
Before tipoff, Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy kept the energy high from the broadcast booth.
Back at the arena.
With Blake Su's popularity skyrocketing, more and more fans packed into the building to watch him play. The Suns' home court atmosphere was electric.
"Blake Su!"
"Let's go, Blake Su!"
"Let's go, Curry!"
The crowd showered Blake Su with thunderous cheers, while also giving Curry plenty of support.
Soon.
Amid roaring applause, warmups concluded. Both starting lineups took the court as the game officially began.
Phoenix Suns Starting Five:
Point Guard Steve Nash (191 cm),
Shooting Guard Stephen Curry (188 cm),
Shooting Guard Vince Carter (198 cm),
Power Forward Channing Frye (211 cm),
Center Blake Su (215 cm).
The Suns' lineup had changed.
Richardson and Hill were gone, replaced by Curry and Carter. As for rookie George, acquired via trade, he could only come off the bench for now.
Oklahoma City Thunder Starting Five:
Russell Westbrook (191 cm),
Thabo Sefolosha (201 cm),
Kevin Durant (206 cm),
Jeff Green (206 cm),
Serge Ibaka (208 cm).
"Jump ball!"
Blake Su and Serge Ibaka faced off at center court.
"Blake Su hasn't lost a single tip since joining the Suns. Tonight—"
Before Mike Breen could finish—
Blake Su had already tapped the ball away. Curry secured it and pushed up the floor. At the top of the key, he shifted slightly left—no hesitation.
"Swish!"
He fired a three right away.
"Clang!"
It rimmed out.
Curry shook his head, clearly dissatisfied. That was a clean look—one he should've made. Steve Nash walked over and gave him a reassuring pat.
"It's fine. That's normal."
"Yeah."
Curry nodded.
Blake Su stepped over as well, giving him a firm high-five. Even before becoming the "Cute God," open threes wouldn't fall every time.
No big deal.
Possession switched.
Russell Westbrook brought the ball up against Steve Nash, dribbling deliberately at first.
Then—
He exploded.
A sudden burst of acceleration, powering through Nash, showcasing his speed and strength to the fullest.
He tore through the defense like lightning, charging straight to the rim. Rising high, his body arched like a drawn bow—
Boom!
A vicious two-handed slam.
His outrageous vertical and terrifying explosiveness left Frye under the basket without even time to react. He could only watch as Russell Westbrook detonated at the rim.
"Roar!"
Westbrook threw his head back and shouted, battle spirit surging.
The crowd roared in response.
Suns (0) : (2) Thunder.
Steve Nash took the inbound from Curry along the baseline and dribbled up past half court. At the top of the key, he handed it off to Blake Su while setting a screen.
Blake Su came off the screen.
Driving?
"Step!"
Russell Westbrook darted out in front of him, eyes locked in. Riding the momentum of his dunk, he barked:
"Unique-style center. Hottest rookie right now.
Blake Su—let me see how strong you really are!"
Blake Su narrowed his eyes.
He knew exactly how gifted the man in front of him was.
But there was no fear in his gaze.
Ball in his left hand, he accelerated down the left wing.
One step.
Two steps.
Hard stop—pull-up!
Russell Westbrook, glued to him, sprang up to contest.
But with his clear height and wingspan advantage, Blake Su rose over the challenge and released the shot.
The ball traced a graceful arc over Russell Westbrook's head.
Swish.
Nothing but net.